Posted on July 27th, 2010
Yesterday, Nike Inc. announced their plans to pay $1.54 million in workers’ compensation to over 1,500 Honduran workers who were suddenly laid off last year when the Choloma and San Pedro Sula factories were shut down without notice. Under Honduras law, the workers were owed $2.6 million in severance after the factories closed.
Nike has consistently refused to offer severance payments, but gave in to pressure from anti-sweatshop student and university groups to pay the workers’ compensation relief. The money will be distributed between the laid off workers based on length of service and workers’ earnings. They have also offered to cover the costs of enrolling the workers in Honduras’ national health care program for one year, provide job training, and give priority to the laid off workers at positions at nearby factories.
While some are praising Nike for its willingness to provide workers’ compensation, many still believe the workers are owed millions in severance payments.
If you or someone you love is seeking workers’ compensation, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your rights.
Posted on July 21st, 2010
Yesterday, President Obama signed an order to have federal agencies improve workplace safety standards by 2014.
The four year plan asks federal agencies to improve workplace safety in order to reduce the number of claims made a year by federal employees, as well as the number of federal dollars spent a year on workers’ compensation. In 2009, 79,000 new claims were filed by federal employees and over $1.6 billion was spent by the federal government on workers’ compensation.
“Many of these work-related injuries and illnesses are preventable, and executive departments and agencies can and should do even more to improve workplace safety and health, reduce the financial burden of injury on taxpayers, and relieve unnecessary suffering by workers and their families,” stated Obama.
If you or someone you love has been injured or become ill on the job, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your rights.
Posted on July 14th, 2010
Previously, the Veterans Administration required veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to provide documentation that they served on the front lines or were involved in a stressful event. Also, while all veterans could be treated for PTSD, requirements limited those who could receive disability benefits.
However, last week, the VA altered its disability benefits regulations so that now veterans only need to provide documentation of serving in a war zone and an honorable discharge.
Officials say that war zones have changed, with unidentifiable “hot zones” endangering many, as opposed to a having a clear front line. “That’s what is different about these wars. You could be a cook or a driver and be exposed to a violent situation,” stated veteran Josh Callahan of the Boise VA Medical Center.
If you or someone you love suffers from PTSD or another disability, contact the Philadelphia short-term disability attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your rights.
Posted on July 9th, 2010
A federal court recently sentenced roofing contractor Christopher Franc to three years probation and six months house arrest after willfully committing safety violations and endangering his workers. He was also fined $539,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Last year, one of Franc’s roofers, 29-year old Carl Beck, died when he fell from a steep roof while not using any safety gear. Investigators found that Franc did not provide fall-protection equipment to employees and failed to appropriately train new employees.
Head of OSHA Dr. David Michaels believes that existing laws are not tough enough on willfully negligent employers who cause injuries in their employees, like Franc. Now, Michaels is promoting the Protecting America’s Workers Act, or PAWA, that would sentence negligent employers to up to twenty years in prison. PAWA would also increase fines against willful violators and strengthen whistleblower protections.
Posted on July 9th, 2010
Last month, two workers at the Ultra Resources natural gas well in Gaines Township, Pennsylvania were involved in a workplace accident after equipment malfunctioned.
The workers were airlifted to Robert Packer Hospital for head injury and broken ribs. One of the workers was hit in the head by a piece of metal, leaving skull lacerations and knocking him out. The other worker suffered broken ribs.
A pipe coupling that separated was suspected as the cause of the accident that injured the two workers. The Department of Environmental Protection’s North Central region director stated, “The cause of the blow-out was probably excessive pressure in the hammer union, but really the question will be was whether the union was installed properly or if the failure was due to a manufacturing defect”.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a workplace accident, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your rights.
Posted on July 8th, 2010
A printing company in Waymart, PA is facing serious penalties after being cited for serious and continued workplace violations. According to persons familiar with the case, the company has been charged with failing to correct four repeated safety violations and for committing nine new violations. The total penalties are expected to total over $100,000 for the company. An OSHA investigation revealed that the company put it’s employees in danger of serious injury or death and should have been aware of the violations that were committed within the company.
If you have been seriously hurt in an accident at work, it is important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side to help make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.
